Elevator Interface Device Displaying Destination Calls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Elevator systems face inefficiencies due to passengers forgetting or missing allocated elevators, leading to unnecessary additional calls, especially during rush hours, as existing systems lack effective display mechanisms for destination call information when screens are absent.

Innovation Solution

An interface device with input means such as a card reader, RFID reader, or touch screen, and a dynamic display that shows the destination floor, allocated elevator ID, guidance, and state of the call, allowing passengers to cancel or make new calls, and an elevator system that communicates this information via a controller entity to optimize elevator allocation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If no display is provided to show allocated elevators, then the interface device is simpler and cheaper, but passengers cannot see the allocated elevator and may make unnecessary additional calls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface device structureVSAvoidelevator system efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing elevator display panels to show allocated elevator information, making the display system serve dual purposes: both indicating elevator position and showing destination call allocation, thereby avoiding additional hardware while improving passenger information access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elevator display panel is made multi-functional by enabling it to display both the elevator's current position/status and the allocated destination call information, allowing one component to serve multiple information display functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If passengers cannot see the allocated elevator, then no additional display components are needed, but passengers make new destination calls creating unnecessary additional calls jamming the destination control system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay systemVSAvoidpassenger waiting time and system processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to passengers by displaying the allocated elevator information on the elevator's own display panel, allowing passengers to verify their allocated elevator and avoid making redundant calls, thereby reducing system processing time and passenger waiting time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the allocated elevator is not displayed, then the system requires fewer components, but during rush hours unnecessary additional calls reduce system optimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface deviceVSAvoidelevator allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the destination call allocation information display with the existing elevator display panel functionality, combining two information display functions into one component, thereby avoiding additional hardware while improving system efficiency during rush hours

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3867185B1An interface device, an elevator system, and a method for controlling displaying of a destination call
Publication Date: 2024.09.18 KONE OYJ
  • EP3867185B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3867185B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3867185B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an interface device (104) for controlling displaying of a destination call. The interface device comprises: input means (202) configured to receive input information comprising a passenger ID, a controller entity (206), configured to retrieve the destination call corresponding to the passenger ID, and at least one display (204) configured to display the retrieved destination call. The invention relates also to an elevator system and a method for controlling displaying of a destination call.